World Briefing / Mideast

Vote sought on war crimes report

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas says he will push for a vote on a United Nations report that accuses both Israel and Hamas of war crimes during Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip last winter.

Abbas' push for a vote in the U.N. Human Rights Council reverses his decision this month to delay voting for six months. Palestinian officials withdrew their support under heavy U.S. pressure. That, in turn, sparked criticism of Abbas among Palestinians.

Also, Washington's special Mideast envoy, George J. Mitchell, wrapped up his latest round of shuttle diplomacy in the region, again failing to persuade Israelis and Palestinians to resume peace talks.